News: 25 January 2017Simon Prescott appears on BBC Spotlight

As the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan, which identifies the overall housing requirement and strategic growth until 2040, is based on the functional economic area of the region, our team were interested to review the commuter patterns across the area. We wanted to establish to what extent the significant economic growth that Exeter has seen in recent years, had reached its surrounding rural areas and produced a map below to reflect commuting patterns.

Bristol’s Planning Partner Simon Prescott spoke to BBC Spotlight about the change in commuting patterns into Exeter over the last 10 years. Simon highlighted how most trips into Exeter related to people travelling to work and that there had been a 45% increase in travelling over 20km into the city of Exeter over the last 10 years.

Simon also highlighted that unless we start implementing joined up thinking, identify how many new homes and jobs are needed, consider commuting problems and develop infrastructure accordingly, the situation will only get worse.

To view the full report, click the picture below – Simon features from 3.00 minutes onwards.